Capsule for the delivery of a solute to a recptacle

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention describe and are directed towards a disposable capsule comprising a body with an open first end and a sealed second end, the body of sufficient size to hold a desired volume of solute, and a multi-receptacle adapter at the open first end to allow the body to be affixed to a plurality of receptacles. The multi-receptacle adapter may comprise a first pressure interface and a second, integrated screw interface.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material, which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The inventions described herein generally relate to disposable capsules for the delivery of a solute to a container holding a solvent. More specifically, inventions disclosed and described herein relate to embodiments of a capsule that defines an interior volume configured to contain a solute, the capsule configured with a multi-receptacle adapter so as to interface with one or more types of containers holding solvent for entering into solution with the solute when the capsule interfaces with one of such containers and the contents thereof are combined.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a growing popularity in the use of beverage capsules in beverage preparation machines that are useful for preparing individual servings of a desired beverage. In many well-known systems, a capsule includes a body having a filter device at the base that contains an extractable substance in powder form, e.g., a coffee powder, cocoa powder, ground coffee, etc. The filter device has a planar filter surface that defines a plurality of openings. The openings have a certain sized aperture, which may widen conically so that the size of openings on the side facing the base of the capsule is larger than the size of the openings facing the coffee powder. This is provided to facilitate flow-through of liquid under a high pressure and reduce the risk of blockage of the openings by the extractable substance in powder form. One example of such a beverage capsule is provided by PCT publication WO 2010/085824.

Advantageously, by precisely premeasuring a set amount of coffee power or other solute in the capsule, a manufacturer may optimize the cost that it can extract per gram of solute sold, i.e., maximize the price charged per serving. Many, if not all such capsules, however, are constructed for use with high-pressure systems that force hot water through the capsule to create a solution or infusion on the basis of the solute contained within the capsule.

Many individuals who exercise in gyms and fitness clubs utilize supplements to extract optimal performance from their workouts. Such supplements, e.g., protein power, creatine, etc. are sold in volume or bulk quantities as dry powders for conversion to a solution upon mixing with a proper solvent, e.g., water, milk, etc. As such, many individuals who train at gyms are measuring out protein power or other supplements by hand using measured scoops, which leads to a substantial amount of product misuse and general waste. Where a set volume of solute leads to optimal results when mixed with a set amount of solvent, introduction of additional solute results in wasting solute and/or the preparation of a sub-optimal solution. For example, where 8 g of powered protein solute would produce optimal results when mixed with eight (8) ounces of water as a solvent, an individual mixing more than 8 g of powered solute would be wasting solute and/or preparing a sub-optimal solution.

Accordingly, there is a need for new and improved apparatuses that assist with the delivery of solutes, such as protein powder, powered iced tea, hot cocoa mix, etc. in precisely controlled doses, as well as implements a convenient form factor that allows for use with a variety of receptacles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards a disposable capsule or cartridge for introducing a solute to a solvent, thereby creating a desired resultant solution. A disposable capsule according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a body with an open first end and a sealed second end, the body of sufficient size to hold a desired volume of solute; and a multi-receptacle adapter at the open first end to allow the body to be affixed to a plurality of disparate receptacles. Exemplary receptacles include, but are not limited to, shaker or blender bottles, as well as screw top bottles such as disposable water bottles. Various types of solute are contemplated as falling within the scope of embodiments of the invention, including both dry/powered and liquid solute.

The disposable capsule of may comprise a sealing membrane to block the open first end and maintain the desired volume of solute within the body of the disposable capsule. A number of disparate techniques, which may be used in conjunction, are provided for allowing the user to rupture the sealing membrane. For example, the sealing membrane may comprise one or more micro-perforations, wherein the one or more micro-perforations are manually ruptured by a user. Alternatively, or in conjunction with the foregoing, the one or more micro-perforations may rupture upon contact with a solvent. Sill further, material used in fabrication of the sealing membrane may dissolve upon contact with a solvent.

As indicated above and herein, the multi-receptacle adapter is at the open first end to allow the body to be affixed to a plurality of disparate types of receptacles. To accommodate interfacing with a plurality of disparate receptacles, the multi-receptable adapter may comprise a pressure interface. According to one embodiment, the pressure interface comprises a gasket to seal the disposable capsule to a receptacle, which may include the placement of a silicon bead around the circumference of or within the multi-receptacle adapter. To accommodate interfacing the disposable capsule with receptacles that cannot communicate with the pressure interface, the multi-receptable adapter comprises a screw interface such that water bottles and other types of containers with a screw-top can connect to the body by way of the multi-receptacle adapter.

In addition to the sealing membrane, embodiments of the disposable capsule described herein may utilize a protective membrane that covers the sealing membrane. The protective membrane may, for example, prevent the inadvertent puncture of the sealing membrane. According to some embodiments, the user peels the protective membrane off the disposable capsule to expose the sealing membrane, which may be performed prior to interfacing the disposable capsule with a receptacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawing which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, in which like references are intended to refer to like or corresponding parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 presents a line drawing that illustrates a capsule for the delivery of a solute according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 presents a line drawing that illustrates a close-up view of a multi-receptacle adapter of a capsule for the delivery of a solute according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 presents a line drawing that illustrates a cross-section view of a multi-receptacle adapter of a capsule for the delivery of a solute according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 presents a line drawing that illustrates a multi-receptacle adapter of a capsule for the delivery of a solute at a point of connection with a solvent receptacle according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 presents a line drawing that illustrates a multi-receptacle adapter of a capsule for the delivery of a solute interfaced with a solvent receptacle through the use of a pressure interface according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 presents a line drawing that illustrates a multi-receptacle adapter of a capsule for the delivery of a solute interfaced with a solvent receptacle through the use of a screw interface according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 presents a capsule for the delivery of a solute, which may comprise a disposable capsule, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The disposable capsule 100 of FIG. 1 generally comprises a body 102, the body 102 having a first open end 112 and a second closed end 114, and a multi-receptacle adapter 104 at the open first end to allow the body to be affixed to a plurality of disparate receptacle types. The body 102 is of sufficient size to contain a set amount of solute. For example, the body may be of sufficient size to hold a single 33 g serving of protein powder. Depending on the specific solute and amount of solute required for proper generation of a resultant solution when mixed with a solvent, the body may be larger or smaller. Accordingly, the body 102 only needs to be of sufficient size to hold the desired amount of solute, although the body 102 may take the form of other sizes and shapes that may not be functionally related to the amount of solute contained therein, e.g., various decorative constructions for the body 102.

The multi-receptacle adapter 104 at the open first end allows the body to be affixed to a plurality of disparate receptacles types. The multi-receptacle adapter 104 may be integrated into or otherwise formed as part of the body 102. According to one embodiment, the multi-receptacle adapter 104 and body 102 are injection molded as a single integrated part. The multi-receptacle adapter 104 may comprise a first pressure interface 110 and a second screw interface 108. The first pressure interface 110 is formed from the interstitial space that exists between the inner wall of the multi-receptacle adapter 104 and the outer wall of the second screw interface 108. This space 110 formed between the inner and outer walls of the multi-receptacle adapter 104 and second screw interface 108, respectively, is sized to receive a spout disposed of on a top surface of a blender bottle lid, as is well known to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the body can be pressed down onto such spout, with the pressure of the interstitial space 110 operative to grip the spout and hold the body thereabout.

In addition to the first pressure interface 110, the multi-receptacle adapter 104 may further comprise a second screw interface 108. As is explained in greater detail herein, the second screw interface 108 comprises threads and is of sufficient diameter to screw onto a standard disposable water bottle. The screw interface 108 may come in various diameters so as to attach to a variety of types of disposable water bottles. Accordingly, the body can be screwed onto a disposable water bottle with a rotary motion to engage the threads thereto.

A sealing membrane 112 may seal the first open end, which may be affixed at the screw interface, to maintain the solute within the body 102 of the disposable capsule 100. Other embodiments may place the sealing membrane 112 at alternative locations so as to seal the opening and prevent solute from escaping the interior of the body 102. According to various embodiments, the sealing membrane is a polymer with one or more micro-perforations that rupture in the presence of a minimal amount of force, e.g., the force of the solvent hitting or otherwise striking the sealing membrane when the disposable capsule is in communication with a receptacle containing a solvent. Alternatively, the sealing membrane may comprise a liquid soluble membrane manufactured from, for example, polyvinyl resins (PVA/PVOH films), starches, gelatins or similar films that quickly dissolve in the presence of a solvent such as water. Furthermore, application specific membranes may be used in conjunction with specific solutes or solutions, such as membranes that dissolve in the presence of hot water, cold water, alcohol, etc. Alternatively, the sealing membrane may comprise a mechanical sealing member, such is an iris mechanism, trap door or hinged opening, opened by deformation of the body, etc. Various embodiments of the sealing membrane comprise any type of barrier that can be reconfigured or disrupted.

In addition to the sealing membrane, a protective membrane 106 may be sealed across the open area set within the screw interface 108 of the multi-receptacle adapter 104. As depicted in the present embodiment, the protective membrane 106 comprises a pull tab or similar lip that allows a person to grab the protective membrane for removal prior to connection to a container, e.g., screw 108 or pressure 110, holding a solvent such as water for mixing with the solute contained in the body 102 of the capsule 100. Accordingly, in operation of the embodiment of FIG. 1 a person obtains a container holding a solvent and removes the protective membrane 106 from the multi-receptacle adapter 104. Depending on the type of container, he or she screws or presses the disposable capsule 100 onto the container, interfacing through use of the screw interface 108 or the pressure interface 110, respectively. Such interfacing may break the sealing membrane 112, whereas moving the combined disposable capsule 100 and container in a shaking motion causes the solute to enter into solution with the solvent. Once the solute is in sufficient solution with the solvent, the user may remove and discard disposable capsule, proceeding with consumption of the solution.

FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up view of a multi-receptacle adapter 204 of a disposable capsule 200 for the delivery of a solute according to one embodiment of the present invention. The multi-receptacle adapter 204 is disposed at an open end of the body 202 of the disposable capsule 200 and allows the body 202 to be affixed to a plurality of receptacles (not pictured). In accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 2, the multi-receptacle adapter 204 comprises a pressure interface 206 in conjunction with a screw interface 208.

The screw interface 208 is sized as a standard screw top, as is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, with a hole or opening therein so as to open into the body 202 of the disposable capsule 200. The screw interface 208 is integrated into the multi-receptacle adapter 204 such that the threads 210 of the screw interface 208 may engage the corresponding threads on a container with a screw nozzle, e.g., a disposable water bottle, in response to mating and applying a twisting motion. The interstitial space 206 between the outer wall of the screw interface 208 and an inner wall of the multi-receptacle adapter 204 provides a pressure interface 206. The diameter of the pressure interface 206 is sized to fit over a standard sized spout, such as that can be found on the lid of a typical shaker or blender bottle. As should be understood by those of skill in the art, the dimensions of the multi-receptacle adapter 204, pressure interface 206, and screw interface 208 are variable and may be configured to be congruent with the specific receptacles to which the disposable capsule 200 is to be affixed by pressing or screwing, respectively.

A cross-section view of one embodiment of a multi-receptacle adapter of a disposable capsule for the delivery of a solute is illustrated by FIG. 3. In accordance with the cross-section view of the embodiment of FIG. 3, the multi-receptacle adapter 300 comprises a wall that is formed of an outer wall 302, a lower flange 304, and an inner wall 306. This wall or structure 302, 304 and 306 forms a ring around the open bottom of the body that, according to the present embodiment, is sized to fit around a standard sized spout that can be found on the lid of a typical blender bottle.

The multi-receptacle adapter 300 in the embodiment of FIG. 3 further comprises a screw interface 312 with a set of threads 310 disposed thereon such that, when moved into communication with the reciprocating threads of a container, can attach by way of a twisting motion, i.e., screw onto the container. The screw interface 312 may be formed as a single part with the wall 302, 304 and 306 (and the body) to form the multi-receptacle adapter 300, e.g., injection molded or extruded as a single thermoplastic part. Alternatively, the screw interface 312 and wall 302, 304 and 306 are formed as separate parts and welded or otherwise mated to form the multi-receptable adapter 300. Other techniques for the fabrication of the screw interface 312 and wall 302, 304 and 306 as the multi-receptable adapter 300 are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

A pressure interface may be formed as an interstitial space 314 between the inner wall 306 and an outer wall 308 of the screw interface. As described above the wall 302, 304 and 306 forms a ring around the open bottom of the body that, according to the present embodiment, is sized to fit around a standard sized spout that can be found on the lid of a typical blender bottle, although other diameters and shapes may be utilized in accordance with this or other embodiments.

Advantageously, the outer wall 308 of the screw interface 312 is sized to fit inside the spout, thereby allowing the spout to be disposed of within the interstitial space 314 when pressed against the spout. Accordingly, the outer wall 308 of the screw interface 312 and the inner wall 306 provide pressure that maintains the multi-receptacle adapter 300 in communication with the spout. Furthermore, a seal or gasket may be disposed of along the inner wall 306 or outer wall 308 so as to increase the seal between the multi-receptacle adapter 300 and container to which the pressure interface is in communication. According to other embodiments, or in conjunction with the foregoing, a lip of flange is disposed along a lower edge of the outer wall 308 of the screw interface 312 extending into the interstitial space 314 forming the pressure interface. When pressed against the spout, the flange mates with a corresponding groove on the inside of the spout so as to hold the capsule in communication with the bottle.

FIG. 4 presents a multi-receptacle adapter of a disposable capsule for the delivery of a solute at a point of connection with the spout 404 of a solvent receptacle according to one embodiment of the present invention. The multi-receptacle adapter of the disposable capsule set forth in the embodiment of FIG. 4 presents an outer wall 402 and lower flange 304 of the multi-receptacle adapter, as well as a screw interface 408 with passthrough opening 412 disposed of therein. The pressure interface is provided by way of the interstitial space 410 formed between an inner wall of the multi-receptacle adapter and an outer wall of the screw interface 408.

In accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 4, the pressure interface 410 is sized to accept a spout therein and maintain the disposable capsule as affixed to the spout 404 when pressed thereagainst. Any solute contained within the body of the disposable capsule may pass through the opening 412 in the screw interface 408 so as to fall into a solvent contained within the receptacle to which a user interfaces the disposable capsule. Mixing the solute and solvent results in the creation of a desired solution, e.g., protein drink, iced tea, cocoa mix, etc.

FIG. 5 presents one embodiment of a disposable capsule 502 configured with a multi-receptacle adapter 510 for the delivery of a solute in communication with a receptacle 504 for holding or otherwise containing a solvent. According to the embodiment of FIG. 5, the receptacle 504 is a shaker bottle with the purpose of holding a volume of solvent for entering into solution with a solute, e.g., holding a volume of water to be mixed with a number of grams of protein powder contained in the disposable capsule 502. An exemplary shaker bottle is the BlenderBottle® Classic V2 shaker bottle, which includes a wire whisk, e.g., wire sphere made from stainless steel, for blending into solution solvent contained in the shaker bottle with any solute contained in the disposable capsule.

The open end of the shaker bottle 504 is sealed with a lid 506 that comprises an integrated spout 508. The lid 506 may further comprise a cap (not pictured) for the spout 508 so as to seal the spout 508 when not mixing the solvent contained in the bottle or consuming any solution contained therein. The lid 506 may affix to the receptacle 504 by way of a pressure seal, e.g., by pressing and sealing the lid with a latch or other structure against the opening in the receptacle 504, or alternatively may screw onto the receptacle 504 through the use of corresponding threads on the lid 506 and receptacle 504.

The multi-receptacle adapter 510 on the disposable capsule 502 comprises a pressure interface that is operative to mate with and seal against the integrated spout 508. According to one embodiment, a user attaches the disposable capsule 502 to the receptacle 504 by pressing the pressure interface of the multi-receptacle adapter 510 against the spout 508. More specifically, the user effects engagement of the pressure interface by aligning an interstitial space created between the inner wall of the multi-receptacle adapter 510 and an outer wall of a screw interface that is an integral part of the multi-receptacle adapter 510 with the spout on the lid of the receptacle. With a downward motion, the user in the present example mates the multi-receptacle adapter 510 of disposable receptacle 502 with the spout 508.

As described above, however, the multi-receptacle adapter 510 comprises a secondary interface to allow for communication with screw-top bottles, such as disposable water bottles, which also fall within the scope of certain embodiments of the invention. FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a disposable capsule 602 configured with a multi-receptacle adapter 604 for the delivery of a solute in communication with a receptacle 608 for holding or otherwise containing a solvent. According to the embodiment of FIG. 6, the receptacle 608 is a screw top water bottle with the purpose of holding a volume of solvent for entering into solution with a solute, e.g., holding a volume of water to be mixed with a number of grams of protein powder contained in the disposable capsule 602. The threaded screw connection of 606 at the aperture of the bottle 608 may screw onto the capsule 602 through the use of corresponding threads on the threaded aperture 606 and capsule 604.

Returning to FIG. 5, the user mates or otherwise affixes the disposable capsule 502 with the receptacle 504, e.g., by use of a pressure interface, screw interface, or other interface that the multi-receptacle adapter 510 provides. Shaking the receptacle 504 with a solvent contained therein causes such solvent to come into contact with a sealing membrane that seals or otherwise maintains a solute within the disposable capsule 502. According to one embodiment, micro-perforations across the face of the sealing membrane rupture from the force of coming into contact with the solvent contained in the receptacle 504, thereby releasing the solute into the receptacle 504 and mixing into solution with the solvent. Alternatively, the solvent may dissolve the sealing membrane and result in the solute entering the receptacle 504. Still further, the user may manually rupture the sealing membrane through use a variety of structures prior to affixing the disposable capsule 502 to the receptacle 504. Other techniques for rupturing the sealing membrane to release the solute, e.g., mechanical, also fall within the scope of various embodiments of the invention. Once the solute enters the receptacle 504, shaking or otherwise manipulating the receptacle 504 brings the solute into solution with the solvent.

FIGS. 1 through 6 are conceptual illustrations allowing for an explanation of the present invention. Notably, the figures and examples above are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention to a single embodiment, as other embodiments are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements. Moreover, where certain elements of the present invention can be partially or fully implemented using known components, only those portions of such known components that are necessary for an understanding of the present invention are described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components are omitted so as not to obscure the invention. In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not necessarily be limited to other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, applicants do not intend for any term in the specification or claims to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present invention encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the relevant art(s) (including the contents of the documents cited and incorporated by reference herein), readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Such adaptations and modifications are therefore intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance presented herein, in combination with the knowledge of one skilled in the relevant art(s).

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It would be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail could be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but rather should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. 

We claim:
 1. A disposable capsule comprising: a body with an open first end and a sealed second end, the body of sufficient size to hold a desired volume of solute; and a multi-receptacle adapter at the open first end to allow the body to be affixed to a plurality of receptacles.
 2. The disposable capsule of claim 1 comprising a sealing membrane to block the open first end and maintain the desired volume of solute within the body.
 3. The disposable capsule of claim 2 wherein the sealing membrane comprises one or more micro-perforations.
 4. The disposable capsule of claim 3 wherein the one or more micro-perforations are manually ruptured by a user.
 5. The disposable capsule of claim 3 wherein the one or more micro-perforations rupture upon contact with a solvent.
 6. The disposable capsule of claim 2 wherein the sealing membrane dissolves upon contact with a solvent.
 7. The disposable capsule of claim 1 wherein the multi-receptable adapter comprises a pressure interface.
 8. The disposable capsule of claim 7 wherein the pressure interface comprises a gasket to seal the disposable capsule to a receptacle.
 9. The disposable capsule of claim 8 wherein the gasket comprises a silicon bead around the circumference of the multi-receptacle adapter.
 10. The disposable capsule of claim 1 wherein the multi-receptable adapter comprises a screw interface.
 11. The disposable capsule of claim 1 comprising a protective membrane that cover the sealing membrane.
 12. The disposable capsule of claim 11 wherein the protective membrane prevents the inadvertent puncture of the sealing membrane.
 13. The disposable capsule of claim 11 wherein the protective membrane is peeled off of the disposable capsule to expose the sealing membrane. 